Differential regulation of GLUT1 activity in human corneal limbal epithelial cells and fibroblasts

► Human corneal epithelial cells (HCLE) have very high basal rates of glucose uptake. ► HCLE cells have 6.6-fold higher expression of GLUT1 than L929 cells. ► GLUT1 in HCLE cells has high intrinsic activity and cannot be further activated. ► Thiol reactive compounds inhibit rather than activate glucose uptake in HCLE cells.